Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do in Chicago for you or your family. Here’s a list of spaces and places you can go this month to beat the cold. Make sure to check them out as they are all family friendly and sure to keep your blood pumping!

Things to do in Chicago in January

Stage:

The Hundred Dresses – Chicago Children’s Theatre

About this Show
With the New Year comes the return of an all-time favorite, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s The Hundred Dresses, the smash hit musical about a young girl who struggles with bullying and learns what it takes to stand up to others – even when you’re standing alone.

Get Your Tickets HERE, or Bring the Whole Family with a Family 4-Pack . You can also save 15% on the 11 am show on 2/4 with code ‘HOUSEFUL.’
Adults: $39 Children: $28

Night Runner – Depaul Merle Reskin Theatre

Join us for the story of Cora, an enslaved 12-year-old, and the Night Runner, the mythic but dark figure who shows her the way. When a cruel slave owner arrives and snatches Cora’s brother Marcus in exchange for debt, Cora flees to find him. In steps the legendary Night Runner, a fierce, fast-talking female superhero, who helps Cora escape to freedom and discover her own inner strength.

Recommended for ages 9 and up.

All Ages – $10

Museums:

Nature Museum Celebrates 160^th Birthday with Free Weekday Admission
Nature Museum Birthday Festivities – Include Five Days of Free Entrance, Scavenger Hunt and a Look at Rare Specimens

Light up the candles and make a wish! The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum—the city’s oldest museum—will celebrate its 160^thbirthday with five free days of admission for Illinois residents from Jan. 9-13. This extraordinary opportunity for free admission includes a daily historical scavenger hunt, full access to the iconic Judy Istock Butterfly Haven and the chance to see exotic amphibian species in Frogs: A Chorus of Colors. Throughout the 160^th birthday week celebration, the Nature Museum will host additional opportunities to win prizes, participate in art projects and other hands-on activities and discover more about the Chicago Academy of Sciences’ legacy.

Museum Of Science and Industry – Black Creativity Family Day

The 2017 Black Creativity program, an annual tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago kicks off on January 16 with a Family Day event, the annual Juried Art Exhibition and an Innovation Studio experience. These events are included in Museum Entry—which is also free to Illinois residents on this day.

Adults – $18 Children (3-11) $11 – save $2 if you purchase tickets online.

Field Museum of Natural History – Dozin with Dinos (Jan 20 or Jan 27)

You’ve seen The Field Museum during the day, now join us on an overnight adventure! Learn about the collections from Field Museum scientists, explore amazing animals, see our Inside Ancient Egypt exhibition by flashlight, draw live subjects like researchers do, and wrap the night up by sharing stories. Spend the night in an exhibition and see the Museum in a new way!

Overnights are only available for families and groups with children ages 6-12. For information about the event, including a sample schedule and frequently asked questions, please download the Overnight Packet.

Art Institute of Chicago – Chinese New Year Celebration

Modern Wing / Asian Galleries
Free with museum admission
Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with dance, art demonstrations, and a special appearance by the China National Peking Opera Company.
Presented with The Chinese Fine Arts Society and Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute.

Admission is free for Chicago residents this month

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events – Chicago Cultural Center & Garfield Park Conservatory

Four Star Brass Band

January 6, Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall

January 7, Garfield Park Conservatory

There ain’t no party like a Four Star Party. Experience the excitement and share in the deep and joyous traditions of Louisiana as this professional Chicago-based, New Orleans-style brass band presents a sizzling show that will inform and delight all ages.

Jabberwocky Marionettes
January 20, Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater

As part of the International Chicago Puppet Theater Festival, the Chicago-based Jabberwocky Marionettes will perform with original and expertly-crafted marionettes and puppets.

Chinese Folk and Classical Dance

January 21, Garfield Park Conservatory

Families are invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year and discover the beauty of Chinese culture with the artistry of dancers Olinda Chang and Mei Xu. Experience China’s rich heritage through the elegance and grace of the Tang Dynasty ribbon dance, the aggressive martial art style of dance and the Mongolian style of dance celebrating the outdoors.

Music

Briar Street Theater – Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one. This wildly popular phenomenon delivers an outrageous multi-sensory entertainment experience that audiences will never forget. A dynamic combination of music, comedy and technology, the show appeals to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. It is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.

Tickets: $49-$99